Duke University School of Nursing’s Master of Science in Nursing Program is now accepting applications for the first adult endocrinology specialty for nurse practitioners in the United States. The curriculum will be directed by Kathryn Evans Kreider, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, an assistant professor who joined the School of Nursing faculty in 2014 and currently practices in the Duke Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition.

“In the last three to five years, studies have shown that as more people are diagnosed with diabetes and other hormone conditions, a growing shortage of endocrinology specialists could force patients to wait longer to see a health care provider who has expertise in treating these conditions,” said Kreider.

A 2014 analysis conducted by the Endocrine Society found that the gap between supply and demand for adult endocrinology specialists could grow worse as more people are diagnosed with endocrine conditions. The survey also found that the average wait time for adults making non-urgent appointments was 37 days.

Kreider adds: “Graduates of our program will be able to assist in filling this void as they will be able to practice as the clinical expert in outpatient primary care settings or in endocrinology settings across the country.”

The endocrinology specialty offers students enrolled in the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Women’s Health and Family Nurse Practitioner majors the opportunity to have advanced training in the care of individuals with diabetes and other endocrine conditions. The coursework includes evidence-based guidelines from the American Diabetes Association, Endocrine Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Students who enroll in the specialty will complete 168 hours of supervised clinical experience in endocrine settings across the spectrum of care.

The program is distance-based and will use online learning programs as well as on-campus intensives that will provide students with opportunities to engage with faculty and practicing clinicians and inquire about novel research and innovative practice through interprofessional team-based learning experiences.

“The School of Nursing has a rich history in educating our students to lead in several specialized health care areas where there is a shortage of care,” said Janice Humphreys, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor and associate dean for Academic Affairs at Duke University School of Nursing. “We will focus on recruiting nurse practitioner students who wish to work with this specialized population or currently practicing nurse practitioners who would like to advance their knowledge and skill set.”

For more information about the new endocrinology specialty or to request to speak with an admissions officer, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Services at 877-415-3853.